Homeless camp found empty: Unclear if police made people living in woods move on

SOMERSWORTH — An outdoor encampment area near Willand Pond showed little sign of activity Tuesday, though the organized appearance, compete with shelves stocked with cleaning supplies, some decorations and mattresses, revealed the space had recently been a “home.”

Somersworth police had given individuals living in the woods in that area until Tuesday to vacate the premises or face misdemeanor violations for staying there.

Capt. Russ Timmons, who told Foster's last week of the warning issued by officers, could not be reached Tuesday for any update as to what actions may have been taken.

Police told Foster's that evidence was discovered of homeless people camping at property sites by Riverside Garage on High Street and the Granite State Park off Route 108.

An investigation of the area around 3 p.m. Tuesday by Foster's disclosed what appeared to be a campsite set up in the woods behind Midway Buick off Route 108.

Timmons had stressed previously for the public to take caution in this area. He also said officers had contacted property owners in the area to make them aware of the situation and learned that those owners did not want people living in tents on their land.

Two weeks ago, officers went through the area and informed the homeless to leave.

At a State of the City address last Friday in Dover, Police Chief Anthony Colarusso acknowledged the homeless population near Willand Pond as well as it shares a border with both the Garrison and Hilltop cities, and also the lack of resources to help those who need and want it.

Since being ushered out of the Somersworth area some of the homeless are coming to the Dover side of the pond and making people uncomfortable, Colarusso said.